Suspension diffs '03 S55 / S600?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
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'14 ML BT
Suspension diffs '03 S55 / S600?
It may be time to bid the E55 goodbye and switch to the big body.
Are there any differences in the suspension between the 55 and the 600?
I get the sense that the chassis is the same between the models.
S600
S55
I've driven the 55 but not the 600 and the better deals seem to favor the 600. Of course at 19mpg 600 and 22 for the 55, no big surprise.
How about engine reliability? Any known issues with the V-12 TT? The 600 has a bunch more torque.
At any rate, my experience with the S55 has been good, anyone have reason to pick the 55 over the 600?
Thanks,
Mike
Are there any differences in the suspension between the 55 and the 600?
I get the sense that the chassis is the same between the models.
S600
S55
I've driven the 55 but not the 600 and the better deals seem to favor the 600. Of course at 19mpg 600 and 22 for the 55, no big surprise.
How about engine reliability? Any known issues with the V-12 TT? The 600 has a bunch more torque.
At any rate, my experience with the S55 has been good, anyone have reason to pick the 55 over the 600?
Thanks,
Mike
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,923
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Mercedes Benz
the suspension is of a similar nature but it is not the same. The settings in the 600 are softer for ride quality and roll stiffness when compared to that in the AMG 55k. The ECU for the ABC module and the shocks themselves are all different part #'s froma 600 and the shocks themselves have AMG embossed on the sides. The car is fairly still in a 600 but a 55k in sport mode is very still. I had a 01 55 and it rode very firmly and was very rough when the car was in the middle of a corner. The newer version of ABC intorduced in 2003 solved some of these issues and it has a smoother ride and has even better chassis control.
If you want a car with a more responsive chassis, larger brakes, better seats for performance driving and shift buttons on the steering wheel the S55k is the car for you. If you want a car that rides a bit better, has more low end torque and is a hair quicker, has a more luxurious interior (leather stiched dash, alcantera headliner etc) the S600 is the car for you.
Both are great but I love 4 door cars that look calm and can hang with sports cars at the local road course. The S55k would be my pick.
What about you?
If you want a car with a more responsive chassis, larger brakes, better seats for performance driving and shift buttons on the steering wheel the S55k is the car for you. If you want a car that rides a bit better, has more low end torque and is a hair quicker, has a more luxurious interior (leather stiched dash, alcantera headliner etc) the S600 is the car for you.
Both are great but I love 4 door cars that look calm and can hang with sports cars at the local road course. The S55k would be my pick.
What about you?
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 947
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From: Maryland
04E55AMG, 05Dodge RAM 1500 Quad Cab, 02Montero Limited
The V12 600 will be a better bang for your $$$ since those lose value much faster then the 55K AMG's. You can also do a easy ECU mod and have a car that moves. The V12's shine above 90mph. 
